The £50m Middlesbrough transfer question, Adilson Malanda in midfield, Law McCabe – Boro mailbag

Craig Johns addresses fan questions regarding Middlesbrough's summer spending, Adilson Malanda's tactical role, and Law McCabe's first-team prospects. Johns clarifies that Boro spent an estimated £35m rather than the reported £50m figure, which included unfulfilled add-ons. He highlights that manager Kim Hellberg regularly starts expensive signings like Will Lankshear and Radek Vitek, while Ashley Phillips was deliberately managed carefully after missing pre-season.

Regarding tactics, Johns explains that Malanda plays a hybrid midfield role to provide defensive cover during transition phases, though a long-term centre-back partnership with Phillips remains likely. On McCabe's future, Johns notes the 20-year-old midfielder is performing strongly for the under-21s following an aborted loan at Plymouth Argyle, arguing McCabe still has time to break through despite heavy squad competition.